What is Co-operative Education at UTSC?
Co-operative Education prepares students for their careers by providing them with work experience in areas related to their field of study. Classroom instruction is supplemented by real-world experience through three paid 4-month work terms. The focus of our Co-op programs is not just finding a placement but acquiring the skills necessary to find meaningful employment throughout a student's career.Management Co-op will prepare you for your career by providing you with:
- Work experience in areas related to your field of study
- Job search skills and experience
- Confidence and strategies to build up your professional experience portfolio
Why should I choose Management & Co-op at UTSC?
With high academic standards and a cutting edge curriculum, the University of Toronto Co-op Programs in Management (Management Co-op) have been the leading source of Great Minds for over 25 years. As one of the country's most challenging and comprehensive programs, the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree provides students with direct access to the tools that build a strong foundation in business. The B.B.A. curriculum aims to provide a coherent set of learning experiences that simultaneously teach management skills and provide real-life career opportunities by forming a three-way partnership between students, employers and the university. World-class faculty members continuously develop the B.B.A. program to reflect the needs of the global business environment and ensure that the program is on the cutting edge.
Our Co-op Programs in Management compliment the strong B.B.A. curriculum by offering high quality paid placements in all areas of business while empowering students with the tools to find their ideal job.
Student Benefits:
- Opportunity to enhance classroom experience with real-world work exposure
- Use classroom theory in a practical work environment
- Graduate in 4 years with a business degree and one year of paid experience
- Have a competitive edge for full-time employment upon graduation
- Evaluate numerous fields of business through work term experience
- Complete numerous business designation requirements while completing your degree
How do I apply for the program and what are the eligibility requirements?
Externally, there are two different ways to apply to Management Co-op: Direct from high school or transferring from another post-secondary institution. For all admissions information including minimum requirements, transfer details and supplementary application forms please visit the UTSC Admissions site.
For students who are currently studying at UTSC:
If you are a registered student at UTSC and are want to apply to the Management Co-op program, there are two admission cycles per year: in April and in July.
To apply to Management Co-op you must request Management Co-op program on ACORN during these time frames. Also, you must submit a copy of your resume and cover letter to the Co-op Office (IC 150).
Your cover letter and resume will be evaluated on the following:
- written ability
- recent extracurricular involvement
- demonstrated leadership
- volunteer and work experience
- demonstrated interest in business
The Academic Advising and Career Centre (AC 213) staff are available to assist you with your resume and cover letter. For more details on admissions procedures and specific dates, please visit the Registrar's Office at http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/registrar/unlimited-and-limited-programs
What are the academic requirements for applying to Management Co-op after my first year of study?
The cut-off every year is different because it depends on the application pool and the number of available spots. In previous years, the CGPA required for admission has ranged between 3.0 and 3.5. Admission is based on your grades as well as your submitted résumé and cover letter.
What is the supplementary application?
The supplementary application form is part of the admissions process for students looking to transfer from another university or enter the program directly from high school. It is used to gather valuable information about your previous volunteer, work and leadership experience. It is a way for you to tell us about all of the great things that you have been involved in outside of your academics. Every student that is considered for admission to the program will have their supplementary application form read by Co-op staff. You can find more information on the Supplementary Application Form from admissions.
How many students are currently enrolled in the program?
We currently have approximately 850 students enrolled in the Management Co-op.
As a Co-op student, what clubs and activities are recommended to join on campus?
As a co-op student it is very important to network both on and off campus. It is easy to get involved at UTSC because there are a number of clubs that are geared towards both management and co-op students. These clubs include the Management and Economics Students' Association, Co-op Students Association, DECA and Women in Business. Club membership and volunteering allow you to meet other management students, network with employers, attend industry information sessions and events, and gain valuable insight into your chosen field of study. You can check their websites out for further information on their events and activities.
What is the minimum CGPA to stay in the Co-op program, go out on work term, and graduate?
To stay in the Co-op program, students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.3. For the purposes of determining eligibility to participate in work terms, the Co-op Office will verify CGPAs prior to the co-op job application process. A minimum CGPA of 2.50 is required to go out on work term. If a student's CGPA falls below 2.50 after they have secured a co-op work term, the student will be required to complete the work term. The student will not, however, be eligible for future work terms until the CGPA is 2.50 or higher. You will also need a 2.50 CGPA to graduate from the program, in addition to completing 3 work terms and the corresponding Work Term Projects successfully.
What are the various work opportunities?
Co-op offers students a chance to work in many different fields of business. High-calibre jobs are available in areas such as Finance, HR, Accounting and Marketing. The three work terms give students the opportunity to explore different industries and companies, which will help them determine which business area best matches their interests and abilities.
How many credits do you need to go out on a work-term?
You need to have completed a minimum of 7 full course equivalents (FCEs) before your first work term, a minimum of 9 FCEs for your second work term and a minimum of 11 FCEs for your third work term. Refer to your UTSC Calendar for specific course requirements prior to each work term.
Does getting admitted after my first year affect the amount of Co-op fees I pay?
Being admitted after first year does not affect the total amount of co-op fees paid, but it does affect the schedule of fee payment. For more fees information, please see the section on co-op fees or in your Student Manual.
What is sequencing?
Sequencing is your plan of action for your time as a co-op student. It is essentially a map of when your 3 work terms and academic requirements will be completed.Students submit their preferences for their work term sequence during the Work Term Preparation Course. You will rank your first, second and third choice in relation to the four options.
How many work-terms are there?
There are 3 four-month work terms for a total of 12 months of on-the-job experience. These are alternated with study terms. A student can accept one 8-month position, which would count as 2 work terms. Also, students who have already completed one work term can accept 12 or 16 month opportunities for their second or third work terms but can have no more than 20 months of experience used toward their overall co-op requirements.
Can I do a work term abroad or in another part of Canada?
You can complete up to 2 of your 3 work terms abroad or in another part of Canada. Please check the Working Abroad web page for more information.
Are jobs automatic?
Jobs are not automatic. You need to make the appropriate effort in order to secure a work term. Students are expected to seek work term employment through the posting and interview process arranged by the Co-op Office. All students seeking a work term should be active in the job application process. Standards for the minimum level of activity are in the co-op student contract that students sign during the Co-op Work Term Preparation Course. Students are also expected to play an active role in the co-op job development process. This might include referring employer leads to the co-op office, applying independently to general and employer specific on-line job boards, and pursuing opportunities through the student's personal and professional networks.
Do I have to attend interviews granted by the co-op office?
Students are expected to attend all interviews granted to them. Students who anticipate missing an interview for just cause should inform the Co-op Office immediately so that alternative arrangements can be made. Students who miss interviews without just cause may be withdrawn from the recruitment cycle.
Do I have to accept a job offer?
Our goal is to help students find the best job suitable and to encourage student to use each work term to improve on their job competitiveness. Of course, no student ever has to accept any job offer. Every student has the opportunity to participate in "first round" which allows them to apply to and interview with a number of employers without making a commitment. Once first round is over, students have a better understanding of how competitive they are for their jobs of interest and what type of environment will suit them best for their work term. Because it is necessary for each student to accept a job at some point during the term, if a student rejects two firm offers without the approval of a Co-op Coordinator, the student will be required to undertake an independent job search and will not be permitted to apply for further positions posted by the Co-op office.
Can I find my own co-op work term?
If a student receives an offer for a work term from an employer who has not posted their position through the Co-op Office, the student must first provide their Co-op Coordinator with the company information and a job description. The Co-op Coordinator must approve the co-op position as a suitable learning experience before the student is permitted to use it as a co-op work term. The employer will be required to provide the student with a contract or letter of employment, and must agree to complete an interim and final evaluation of the student.
Do all Co-op students find a work term?
If a student has undertaken an active job search, and does not secure a co-op position for the scheduled work term, the student can change the timing of the work term with the permission of the Co-op Director. An active job search means that the student books and attends several appointments with a Coordinator for résumé, cover letter and interview feedback, applies to a sufficient number of positions and attends all interviews granted. For example, a student scheduled for a Summer 2015 work term who is unable to secure a co-op position following an active job search will be permitted to apply for positions for the Fall 2015 work term. Students who have not engaged in an active job search for a work term in which they are scheduled to work will not be permitted to defer their work term, and would need to seek work independently. In order to remain in the Co-op Program, students must be active in applying and attending interviews for co-op positions for their scheduled work term. Very few students require deferral of their work terms and no student has ever been withdrawn from co-op because they are "unplaceable". With an adequate amount of effort, every student can find a work term.
Who should I contact if I am having a problem on my work term?
As soon as you have any type of problem on your work term, it is important that you contact one of your Co-op Coordinators. The Coordinators routinely check in with students on their work terms, but cannot be everywhere at once. Do not wait to be contacted. It is your responsibility to let the Co-op Office know of any problems.Usually the Co-op Coordinator will recommend a strategy for you to diffuse your situation. Only in extreme circumstances will a Coordinator step in to resolve a conflict.
What should I expect in the recruitment cycle?
There are two different rounds of interviewing and matching during the 4-month recruitment cycle: a First Round and a Continuous Round.
During First Round, no offers are made by employers or accepted by students until the close of First Round. At the close of First Round, employers are asked to rank the students they have interviewed. Students will learn via CSM which employers ranked them. They will then be asked to rank their interviews based on their desire to work in a particular position.
The Coordinators then match your rankings to those of the employers and confirm your final match with you. If you are not matched with an employer, you proceed to Continuous Round.
During Continuous Round, employers make offers of employment after each interview until all students are matched. When you are offered a position in Continuous Round, you have 24 hours within which to confirm your acceptance of the offer.
What should I expect from a site visit?
After you have been approximately 7 weeks on the job, the Co-op Office will send an email reminder to you and your supervisor about contacting us to arrange a site visit with a Coordinator. The site visit can last from 30 to 45 minutes. The meeting enables the student and the student's supervisor to exchange feedback on the student's performance. It also allows you a chance to set goals for the second half of your work term, clarify your direction for the work term project and discuss options for your next work term. If you do not have a site visit booked by halfway through your work term, please contact the Co-op Office to arrange one.
What is the rate of pay for a co-op work term?
Rates of pay tend to vary depending on which work term a student is pursuing, as well as their level of experience. Please see our co-op salary averages table as a reference.
As an employee what do I owe the company?
The employers who you are working for now might be the same ones who will be hiring you after graduation. It is important to view your work term not only as a vehicle to gain work related experience but also to build strong long lasting relationships with people through effective networking and to refine on-the job skills. As an employee of the company, there are several obligations you must fulfill:
- Commitment and loyalty to the firm
- High quality work
- Good work ethic
- High level of professionalism
- Punctuality and informing your supervisor in case of an absence
- Following company policies
- Building and maintaining relationships with supervisors, co-workers and customers
- Be open to feedback
- Show initiative and enthusiasm on the job
What type of insurance coverage will I receive while on a work term?
Full-time undergraduate students, who pay society and incidental fees, are provided extended health and dental insurance through the Scarborough Student Union (SCSU). As of September 1, 2005, the SCSU will administer this Plan in collaboration with ihaveaplan.ca and Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Part-time undergraduate students are covered though the Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students (APUS) in collaboration with the National Student Health Network and Green Shield Canada.
What are work term projects?
Work Term Projects are mandatory for all co-op students. After each work term, you must prepare an analytical project relevant to your co-op work experience. The format of each project will vary depending on which work term (first, second, third) you have just completed. Please see the Work Term Grading page (on CSM) for more specific details.
I received an alternate offer for a program outside of co-op. Will I still be considered for co-op before I start in September?
All admission decisions for high school and transfer students are made by the admissions office. Please visit their website for more information.
Can I do a fourth work term?
Fourth work terms are allowed when a student accepts an 8 or 12 month work term as their third work term. In this case, the student will be required to complete a thrid and fourth work term project. Details on the work term project requirements can be found in the Document Library and on CSM. Students are not permitted to seek a separate fourth work term within their co-op program.
Do I need to register for courses during my scheduled work semester?
With our high success rate for placements, you do not need to register in courses for your next scheduled seeking term.